CHILDREN, staff and governors at Lydiate's St Thomas' school welcomed special visitor, Bishop Richard Blackburn of Warrington last week.

During his visit Bishop Richard presented the school with the prestigious Liverpool Diocesan Church-School Award Two - making it the first school within the Diocese to receive the new accolade.

The award recognises the special relationship that exists between the school, the church and the community of Lydiate.

The bishop was also on hand to officially open the school's brand new ICT suite, which was partially funded by a National Lottery grant.

Bishop Richard said: “I am aware of how much endeavour, prayer and reflection has contributed to promoting a clear and uncompromising vision of the ways in which Christian values can impact on shaping the lives of the children in school and also in the lives of the people in the wider parish community.”